Utah is the eleventh largest state in the
Nation with 81% of the land base owned by federal or state agencies. Opportunities for the
Partners Program are still extensive because private landowners control over 18,000 square
miles, and they are some of the most critical habitats for numerous wildlife species. Utah
is the second driest state in the nation, so riparian and wetland projects are a high
priority. These areas are an extremely valuable but limited resource. Utah Partners for Fish and Wildlife works with
local watershed teams and working groups to set priorities for focus areas. A watershed based
management system has been adopted in numerous areas throughout Utah. These priority areas
are revisited yearly and adjusted accordingly to watershed and/or local workgroup goals
and objectives.
Utah Partner’s Activities Riparian restoration
Wetland restoration
In-stream restoration
Rangeland restoration
Noxious plant management
Upland restoration techniques
predominately used by Utah Partners for Fish and Wildlife are grass seedings. Riparian and
in-stream restoration techniques include fencing to exclude livestock grazing and
installing in-stream structures to provide in-stream habitat.
The habitats receiving highest priority
are in-stream and riparian habitat. These habitats benefit numerous trust species. We are
also directing our restoration/protection efforts toward wetlands and shrub/scrub
(sagebrush) communities.
Wildlife Benefiting from Partners Assistance
Waterfowl
-- 50% of the breeding cinnamon teal in North America nest in Utah.
Shorebirds
-- Great Salt Lake ecosystem was designated as a Site of Hemispheric Importance by the
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.
Feeding shorebirds
Native fish
-- Three different species of cutthroat trout are found in Utah streams.
Bonneville cutthroat trout
Amphibians
-- Spotted frog
Neotropical
migrants -- Common yellowthroat
Mammals
-- Utah prairie dog
Resident birds
-- Gunnison sage grouse
The Partners Program is currently
working on habitat restoration and protection for three different wildlife conservation
species. These species include the spotted frog, Bonneville cutthroat trout and Gunnison
sage grouse. We are working to protect the existing habitat that already contains these
species and expand the population by restoring or enhancing additional adjacent habitat. |
